This is my letter of gratitude to TRP.

First, some background. I am 50 years old, married (somewhat happily), with 2 teenage sons. I work as a Registered Nurse (a very blue pill/white knight profession in a predominantly female industry). Without going into details, I've been horribly beta my whole life, but somehow stumbled onto Victor Pride's Bold and Determined website. Eventually I landed at the Red Pill. Here's a summary:

Positive Changes I have made

  • finally got out of the Army Reserve. I remember reading a quote in a TRP thread that said this: "Be willing to walk away from anything or anyone who doesn't help you, grow you, or benefit you in some way". My Army career was not as fulfilling as I had hoped. I'm glad I served, but I am at peace with leaving.

  • grew a beard. A serious beard. Ceremonially trashed AR 670-1 "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia"

  • began strength training (actually I think I started this before I found TRP). I started with Mark Rippetoe, and have been following Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 for over 1 year

  • stopped masturbating

  • competed in my first Powerlifting competition

  • consistent journaling

  • reading TRP, specifically the sidebar, which I review periodically.

  • reading the Bible on a consistent basis

  • reading the Stoics, particularly The Enchiridion of Epictetus

  • improved my social circle. This is primarily related to the contacts I've made through lifting

  • consistent meditation

  • had some custom-made wristbands made to remind me of my daily mantra

Results

  • I've decided to be happy, regardless of my wife's bullshit. I put up with a lot less crap from her. Amused Mastery and IDGAF have been a blessing

  • I feel like I have a MUCH better idea of how to guide my sons into manhood

  • I have reframed my career as an ER nurse. I honestly look at it as a test, or like I'm going into the Matrix to play. Yes, nursing can be horrible white knight / blue pill. But it is truly Alpha to be "the guy" who has ice water for blood and knows what to do when a patient is crashing. In addition, I look forward to controlling/restraining psychotic and violent patients. This is as close as I will ever get to being a bouncer, and it's far more socially acceptable.

  • My physique has improved markedly. I actually have lats and hamstrings, and I almost have traps.

  • My back pain and knee pain has disappeared. I consider this crucial, given my job as a ER nurse.

  • The Powerlifting competition was a rush. I was the weakest guy there, but it didn't matter. I hit lifetime PRs in the bench and deadlift, and for one brief moment I felt like Doyle Kenady. I missed my second and third attempts in the squat, but I gained valuable feedback on what I must do to succeed next time. And there will be a next time.

  • I have found a strength training mentor, and he is becoming a good friend.

  • Overall, I am calmer. I've had terrible anger problems my whole life (a common Blue Pill ailment)

  • I am a better man for my sons. They are my pride and joy, but not so much that I will sacrifice their character for anything.

So thank you to the moderators and contributors at TRP. I am very grateful for all that you have taught me. I hope you can see in this post that you have made a big difference in just one anonymous life, and in the lives of my family.

And thank you to Mark Rippetoe, Jim Wendler, Victor Pride, Mike Cernovich, and the guys at T Nation.

Finally, I seem to be receiving much more female attention. As an example, I leave you with an amusing story. Today I was relaxing in the nurses' station before my shift started. One of my coworkers, whom many would find attractive, walks in. As she is surprised to see me, she blurts out...

Her: "Oh my gosh Cover301, I had a VERY inappropriate dream about you the other night!", as she gently touches my knee.

Me: "Ok, is this anything you want to tell me about?"

Her: "No, I'm just going to leave now, because I'm blushing", and she rushes off

Peace.